Vanity case



March 18, 1930. D. H. ZELL 1,750,984

VANITY CASE Original Filed July 25, 1928 INVENTOR 43w: ATTORN Y Patented Mar. 18, 1930 UNITED STATES DAVID E. ZELL, or BROOKLYN, NEW YORK VANITY CASE Original application filed July 25, 1928, Serial 1T0. 2251294. Divided and this application filed January 22, I

1929. Serial No. 334,311.

This invention relates to vanity cases, and has. for its general object and purpose to provide a device of this character which is novel and attractive in form and appearance, the several parts of which can be inexpensively fabricated in the form of simple sheet metal stampings, and which is also of great convenience and serviceability in practical use.

The subject matter of the present application constitutes a division of my pending application Serial No. 295,294, filed July 25, .1928, and in one practical embodiment of the device I propose to construct the same in the form of a miniature kodak or camera of the folding type. To this end,- the body of the case may be conveniently produced from a sheet metal stamping having a wall constituting the bottom or rear side of the case and the opposite ends of which are formed into return bends providing narrow transversely extending compartments at the opposite ends of the case body and said body wall of the case having edge flanges closing the opposite ends of said compartments. The opening at the front side of the "case between the confronting end edges of said body wall is adapted to be closed by a hingedly mounted cover or closure member. One of the end compartments above referred to, I utilize as a housing for a suitable latch means for this cover or closure while the other of said end 'compartmentsreceives and houses-a removable lipstick or other cosmetic.

It is also an important object of my invention to provide a supporting frame for the hinged door or closure arranged within the case body and rigidly secured to said bottom or rear wall thereof, together with an ornamental flexible covering material for the body wall consisting of a single sheet engaged and securely held at its ends by parts of said frame, and means secured to the side flanges of the case body and also cooperating with aid o er g m terial to p e ent lateral shifting movement thereof relative to the case.

The invention further contemplates the provision of simple and reliable means for removably holding cosmetic containing pans within said frame and preventing the accidental release or displacement thereof in the use of the device.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists in the improved vanity case and in theform, construction and relative arrangement of its several parts, as will be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and subsequently incorporated in the subjoined claims.

In the drawings,wherein I have shown one simple and practical embodiment of the invention, and in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views;-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved vanity case, showing the same closed;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the case on an enlarged scale showing the same open, and parts of the case including the hinged cover or closure means shown in section, and

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional View taken substantially on the line 33 of Fig. 2.

Referring in detail to the drawing, it will first be observed that the body of the case is comparatively flat or shallow and the opposite ends thereof are rounded or convex so that in general outline form the case will closely simulate in miniature a folding camera or kodak." As shown,,the case body is produced from a sheet metal stamping which. includes the bottom or rear wall 35 of the case having the return bends *36--at the oppoportions of these bends 36 extend imparallel relation to the wall 35 andform the front side of the case body, the space between the confronting end edges thereof and between the flanges 37 defining the open front side of the case which is adapted to be closed by means of a hinged'cover or closure member to be later referred to.

Within this case body a rectangular metal frame 38, preferably of sheet brass, is arranged, the walls of this frame being of angular cross section and the base flanges thereof detachably secured to the bottom or rear wall 35 of the case body, as for instance, by means of the tongues 39 struck from said wall and clinched upon-the frame flanges.

The external surfaces ofthe bottom or rear Wall 35 and the inwardly turned ends 36- thereof are preferably covered by a sheet of ornamental flexible material indicated at 40, such as imitation leather or the like, and as ,a simple and reliable means for securely holding this flexible sheet against longitudipurposes of additional ornamentation, I proplates 41 in their ap purpose, in the illustratedembodiment of the invention, I have shown each of the nal shifting on the body walls of the case, I turn the end edges of said sheet inwardly overthe end edges of the end portions ,36 of the body wall and securely clamp the same thereon by means of the out-turned flanges 38' on the opposite ends of the frame 38.

For the purpose of holding this ornamental flexible sheet 40 against lateral shifting on the body walls of the ase and also for vide the elongated edge plates 41 having narrow laterally projecting flanges 41. These plates 40 are adapted to be fitted closel against theouter side faces of the flanges 3 of the case body, with the flanges 41 on said plates having close frictional engagement upon the body walls 35 and 36 and extending over the edges thereof in the plane of said covering sheet 40. Any suitable means may be provided for. ri 'dly securing the edge %lied positions. For this flanges 37. of the case body in spaced relation to its opposite ends as having the inwardly struck portions 42 separated at one of their; ends from said flanges to provide the openingsat 42'. To the inner=-face ofeach edge plate 41 a in spaced relation ,to'its opposite ends the longitudinally dispomd metal strips'43 are secured and are offset at one of their ends to provide the tongues 44. These tongues are adapted for engagement through the openings 42' in the flanges 37 as the case=body -and'the plates 41 are longitudinally shifted. relative to each other whereby, said platesmaybe securely flanges 37.

Within the narrow transverse compartment formed between one of the inwardly turned ends '36 of the body wall and one end interlocked, with the body of the frame 38, a transversely ositioned 37 and is adapted to receive the liPStlCk guide tube 46 is secured between t e flanges holder 47, said holder consisting of the usual tube having a slot 48in one side wall for the outwardly projecting pin 49 on' the end cap of the lipstick whereby the lipstick may be adjusted and projected beyond one end of the holder. One side wall of the guide tube 46 is also provided with a similar slot 50 to receive the pin 49 when the lipstick holder is inserted within the housing, one end of said holder being provided with an ornamental swiveled finger piece indicated at 51 for the purpose of conveniently inserting the lipstick and its holder .within the guide tube or withdrawing the same therefrom. When the lipstick is not'in use, it will beseen that it is completely housed within the end compartment of the case body externally of the frame 38, and the closed end of the holder 47, is flush with the outer surface of the edge plate 41. i

Between the opposite longitudinal flanges 37 of the case body and within one end of the frame 38 a door or closure for the open side of the case indicated at 52 is mounted on the spring hinge 53. While this ,cover or closuremight be of any suitable construction, it preferably consists of a rectangular ornamental sheet metal frame to one side of which a mirror indicated at 54 is suitably attached. Within the marginal frame, a sheet of ornamental covering material similar to that covering the case body is secured to the back of the mirror. At its free end the door frame is providedwith an angularly projected curved flange 55 adapted to fitwithin the opposite end of the frame 38, said flange being formed with 'a latch member receiving opening 56 therein. I

of the frame 38 .Between the latter end and the other inwardly curved end 36 of the of the frame. 38. In a suitable guide 60v projecting inwardly from one end of'one of the arly pro-Q edge plates 41, a pin or button 61 is slidably mounted, the inner end of said button having a head 62 bearing on the end 58 of the latch member 57. 1

Within the frame 38, intermediate of its ends atransverse bar 63 is arranged, and the outer edge of this bar is rounded or c'ylindri-t cally formed as at 64. Said bar terminates in suitable pivot studs 65 which are loosely.

ed to be arranged. The pivoted bar 63 ad'--.

mits of one of these trays being readilypositioned between said bar and the spring hinge 53 of the cover or closure 52. In order to position the other tray or holder 66 between said bar and the opposite end of the frame 38, it is necessary to push the pin or button 61 inwardly, thereby withdrawing the latch fin ger 59 through the opening in the end wall v of the frameso' that one end wall of the holder 66 may be positioned beneath the enlarged cylindrical edge 64' of the bar- 63-while the other end of the holder abuts closely against the end wall of the frame 38. Upon then. re-

leasing the pressure on the pin 61, the latch.

finger 59 returns to its normal position over the latter endwall of the holder as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. Thus, by means of this latch finger and the enlarged or cylin- .drical edge 64 of the bar 63 the two trays or holders-will be securely retained within the case when the door or cover 52 is open and regardless of the angle at which the case may be held in the hand. I

When the door 52 is moved to its closed position, the curved flange 55'thereof forces the latch finger 59 outwardly with respect to theend wall of the frame'38 until the opening 56 in said flange is in line with the latch finger whereupon the springplate 57 projects the latch finger into said opening'to thus securely retain the door in its closed position against the action of the spring hinge 53.

As will be noted from reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings, when the door or closure is in its closed position, the outer or exposed surfaces of the door frame, the covering material 52 on-the door, the outer surface'of the covering material on the case body and the surfaces of the flanges 38' on the frame 38 and flanges 4.1 on the edge plates 41 at the front side of the case, are all disposed in a common plane so that the front side of the case throughout the length and width-thereof will .be without projections or protuberances of any kind. Also the bright metal parts of the edgeplates 41 and the frame of the door 42, incontrast with the ornamental covering sheets on the door and the case body give to the case a very novel and attractive appearance.

When the ornamental covering material 40 on the body wall of the case becomes soiled or damaged, it may be readily detached-by simply disconnecting the frame 38 in which the hinged door or closure is mounted, from the body of the case. A new covering sheet of the same or difiere'nt design may then be applied and the frame 38 re-attached" to the case body. Also, since the facing sheet of ornamental material on the door'52 is attached merely by adhesive, this sheet likewise can be removed and a-new facing sheet substituted therefor. The ornamental metal plates 41 when damaged or dull can be easily detached and replaced by new ones.

From the foregoing descriptionconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, the construction and several advantages of my improved vanity'case will be clearly and fully understood. It will be seen that the severalparts are ofsimple mechanical form and can be rapidly and inexpensively fabricated from sheet metal so that such a case may be profitably manufactured and sold at relatively small cost.

Also, notwithstanding the small dimensions of the case, it has a comparatively large capacity in view of thefact that the lipstick and latch means for the door-or closure arehoused within the small end compartments of the case body, thus permitting of the utilization of the entire remaining internal area of the Case for the reception 'of the powder and rouge trays which can be of comparatively large size. It will be understood however, that the essential and .novel characteristic of my present invention resides in the form and construction of the case body and the means'for securing the ornamental flexi- 'sential characteristics of my invention.

Therefore, it is to be understood that inv the 7 practical development of the device, the priva ilege is reserved "of resorting to various structural alternatives for the various features of the invention as herein described, and as may ably secured to the case body to removably secure said covering material against longitudinal or lateral movement relative thereto.

2. A case having a body consisting of a sheet metal plate forming'the rear side of the case and having its end portions inwardly directed towards each other to form the opposite ends and front side of the case body, a sheet of flexible material covering the outer surfaces of said body plate, means securing the ends of the covering sheet to the ends of the body plate, and means on the opposite lateral edgesof the case body having parts positioned in the plane of the covering sheet.

case and having its end portions inwardly di-' Iected towards each other to form the opposite ends and. front side of the case body, a sheet of flexible material covering the outer surfaces of 'said body plate, and means detachably secured within the case and having parts engaging the opposite ends of said covering sheet to 'removably secure the latter upon the body of the. case.

4. A case having a bodyconsisting of a sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the case and having its end portions inwardly directed towards each other to form the opposite ends and 'frontside of the case body, a sheet of flexible material covering the outer surfaces of said body plate, means detachably secured within'the case and having parts engaging the opposite ends of said covering sheet to removably secure the latter upon the body of the case, and means secured on the opposite lateral edges of the case body and having parts positioned in the plane of the) covering sheet to prevent lateral shifting movement thereof relative to the case.

5. A case having a body consisting of a sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the case and having its end portions inwardly directed towards each other to form the opposite Gil ends and front side of the case body, a sheet of flexible material covering the outer sur-' faces-of said body plate and secured at its ends thereto, and longitudinally extending plates secured to the opposite lateral edges of the case body and having marginal flanges extending inwardly over the body plate in the plane of saidcovering sheet to prevent lateral shifting movement of said sheet relative to the case. 1

6. A case having a body consisting of a sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the case and having its end portions inwardly directed towards each other to form the opposite ends and front side of the case body, a sheet of flexible material covering the outer surfaces of said body plate, a hinged closure for the open front side of the case between the end edges of the body plate, asupporting frame for said closure, said frame having parts bearing upon the end edges of the covering sheet to removably secure said sheet upon the case body, and means for detachably securing said frame within the case.

7. A case having a body consisting of a sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the case andhaving its end portions inwardly directed towards each other to form the opposite ends and front side of the case body, a sheet of flexible material covering the outer surfaces of said body plate, a hinged closure for the open front sideof the case between the end edges of the body plate, a. supporting meaeee frame for said closure, said frame having arts bearing upon the end edges of the coverhaving parts positioned in -theplane of said covering sheet to prevent lateral shifting movement thereof relative to the case,

8. A case having a body consisting of a sheet 'metal plate forming the'rear side of the case and having inwardly directed end portions to form the opposite ends and front side ofthe case and longitudinally extending flanges forming the opposite lateral edges ,0

the. case body, a frame secured within the case-and having end walls cooperating with the ends of the body plate of the case to pro vide end compartments exteriorly of said frame, and a hinged door or closure for the front side of the case supported in said frame.

9. A case having a body consisting of a sheet metal plateforming the rear side of the case and having inwardly directed end portions to form the oppositeends and front side of the case and longitudinally extending flanges forming the opposite, lateral edges of the case body, a frame secured within the case and havin end walls cooperating with the ends of the ody plate of the case to provide" end compartments exteriorly of said frame,a hinged door or closure for the front side of the case supported in said frame, and latch means for said doorhoused within one of saidcompartments.

10. A case having a body consisting of a sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the case and having inwardly directed end portions to form the opposite ends and .front side of the case and longitudinally extending flanges forming the opposite lateral edges of the case body, a frame secured within the case and having end walls cooperating with the ends of the body plate of the case to provide end compartments exteriorly of said.

frame, a hinged oor or closure for the front side of the case supported in said frame, latch compartments.

11. A case having abody consisting of a sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the casefand having inwardly directed end portions to form the opposite ends and front side of the case and longitudinally extending flanges forming the opposite lateral edges of the case body, a frame having endwalls co- I operating with the ends of the body plate of the case to provide end compartments exterior'ly of said frame, means for detachably securing said frame within the case, a hinged door or closure for the front side of the case supported in said frame, latch means for said door housed'within one of said compartments means for removably retaining an article 1n the other of said compartments, a sheet of ornamental flexible material covering the outer surfaces of the body plate of the case, and said frame having parts engaging the ends of said covering sheet to removably secure the same upon the case body.

12. A vanity case having a body consisting of a sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the case and having inwardly directed end portions forming the opposite ends and front side of the case body, a frame secured within the case and having an end wall cooperating with one end of the body plate of the case to form an end compartment exteriorly of said frame, said body plate having longitudinally extending flanges forming the opposite lat eral edges of the case body and closing the opposite ends of said compartment, one of said flanges having an opening through which a lipstick may be inserted into or Withdrawn from said end compartment, and closure means for the open front side of the case mounted in said frame.

13. A vanity case having a body consisting of a sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the case and having inwardly directed end portions forming the opposite ends and front side of the case body, a frame secured within the case and having an end wall cooperating with one end of the body plate of the case to form an end compartment exteriorly of said frame, said body plate having longitudinally extending flanges forming the opposite lateral edges of the case body and closing the opposite ends of said compartment, guide means in said compartment for a lipstick holder movable through said opening, and

. closure means for the open front side of the ends of the body plate hingedly supported.

in said frame, means carried by the frame to removably retain cosmetic holding trays therein, said body' plate having longitudinally extending flanges forming the opposite lateral edges of the case body and closing the ends of said compartments, latch means for said hinged closure housed in one of said end compartments, and means for removably retaining a lipstick holder in the other of said end compartments.

15. A vanity case having a body consisting of a sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the case and having inwardly directed end portions forming the opposite ends and front side of the case body, a frame detachably secured tosaid body plate within the case and having end walls cooperating with the ends of said body plate to form end compartments exteriorly of said frame, a closure including a part overlying a wall of one of the cosmetic holdin trays when the closure is -open to prevent displacement of the tray relative to said frame, and means for removably retaining a lipstick holder in the a other of said end compartments.

16. A vanity case having an outline contour simulating a miniature kodak camera, said case conslsting of an elongated sheet metal plate formingtherear side of the case and having its opposite end portions inwardly turned and spaced from said rear side of the case to form the oppositeends and front wall sections 'of the. case, a door hingedly supported in the case to close the space between saidfront wall sections thereof, and ornamental metal edge plates secured to said body plate of the case'and each having a continuous marginal flange extending inwardlyupon the rearside wall and the front wall sections ofthe case'body.

17. A- vanity case having an outline contour-simulating a miniature kodak camera, said case consisting of an elongated sheet metal plate forming the rear side of the case and having its opposite end portions inwardly turned and spaced from said rear side of the case 'to form the opposite ends and front wall sections of the case, a door hingedly supported in the case to close the space between said front wall sections thereof, ornamental metal edge plates secured to said body plate of the case and each having a con-. tinuous marginal flange extending inwardly upon the rear side wall and the frontwall sections of the case body, a sheet of flexible ornamental material covering the outer surfaces of said sheet metal body plate and held against lateral shifting movement relative thereto by the flanges on said edge plates, and means securing the ends of said flexible sheet of material upon the front wall sectins of the case body at the opposite ends. of the door receiving opening.

18. A vanitycase having ,an outline. contour simulating a miniature kodak camera, said case consisting'of a body structure including an elongated sheet metal plate hav ing an intermediate portion forming the rear side wall of the case-and the opposite end portionsof said plate, inwardly turned and extended in parallel relation to said intermediate portion to form spaced front Wall sec tions, closure members for theopposite lateral edges of the case body secured to said plate and having parts cooperating with said front -wall sections to retain the same in spaced relation-to the rear wall of the case body, and a door hingedly supported in the case. at the front side thereof to close the space between said front wall sections thereof;

In testimony that I-clairn the foregoing as I my invention, 1 have signed my name hereto.

Y DAVID H.- ZELL. 

